Canon G16 and S120 previews: Revamped enthusiast compacts promise better performance, smoother Wi-Fi sharing

Enthusiasts on the hunt for a second camera, take note: Whether you prefer bells and whistles or something you can slip in your pocket, Canon has just announced new enthusiast compacts made with you in mind. Both the Canon G16 and Canon S120 follow in the footsteps of Dave's Picks award-winning cameras, and both bring changes that should make them even more fun to shoot with!

The latest update to Canon's popular, enthusiast-oriented PowerShot G-series compact camera line, the Canon G16 follows in the footsteps of the existing G15. For the first time in a G-series camera, it provides built-in Wi-Fi wireless networking, acknowledging the fact that social networks aren't just the domain of amateurs.

 

The Canon PowerShot G16 has Wi-Fi wireless networking connectivity, the first time the feature has appeared inside a G-series PowerShot camera.

Although it has a similar 12.1-megapixel image sensor and 5x zoom lens pairing to its predecessor, the PowerShot G16 also includes a new DIGIC 6 image processor, which allows for faster autofocusing, burst shooting, and movie capture. Other changes include a variety of new shooting modes, and reworked rear-panel controls.

Available from October 2013, the Canon PowerShot G16 will cost about US$550 in the US market. If you want an enthusiast compact that shoots like your SLR, you'll want to read our Canon G16 preview!

The 12.1 megapixel Canon S120, meanwhile, retains a pocket-friendly body very similar to that of its predecessor, the Canon S110. As with that model, it's aimed at enthusiasts who want a larger sensor than the typical compact, but who don't need all the bells and whistles of a G-series camera.

 

The Canon S120 should offer significantly better performance than did its predecessor.

Changes include a new image sensor, brighter lens, faster DIGIC 6 image processor, higher-res LCD, refined Wi-Fi feature set, new battery pack, and slightly better battery life. The PowerShot S120 also has a brand new body with a dual-textured front panel, and a slightly smaller rear thumb grip.

Likewise available from October 2013, the Canon S120 is priced at US$450 or thereabouts. If you're in need of a camera that will disappear in a pocket until it's needed, read our Canon S120 preview!